In the solitude of his study, F. González-Crussi ponders the meaning of the lives laid bare in his laboratory. This witty and urbane collection of medical essays won the Society of Midland Authors Award. A professor emeritus of pathology at Northwestern University and the former head of pathology at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, González-Crussi is renowned for his medical essays, blending science, the history of medicine, and philosophy to conduct entertaining and unexpected literary journeys.

"A wonderful book.... [These essays] are products of original, courageous, and culturally well-nourished thinking that excites the mind and refreshes the spirit."—Chicago Sun-Times